A Land Registry initiative to encourage landowners across Cumbria to secure their assets through proper registration has resulted in 74,000 acres being added to official records since April 2008.

Around 35% of all England and Wales remains unregistered. In Cumbria more than 54% of land has now been claimed, more than 950,000 acres in total.

Harry Charlton, register development manager for Cumbria, said: "We are delighted so many have recognised the value of registration and would welcome inquiries from as many landowners as possible.

"We have a straightforward and cost-effective system for checking and registering who owns what and we are currently offering a 25% discount on the costs for those who voluntarily register their land."